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Young, also known as Pleasant Valley, is surrounded by mountains and lies in the heart of the Tonto National Forest. At an elevation of 5,177 feet, the town is located halfway between the Mogollon Rim and Roosevelt Lake. Young began as a cattle ranching community in the 1880s. The town became semi-infamous as the site of the Pleasant Valley War between the Grahams and the Tewksburys, two cattle ranching families. Pleasant Valley eventually became known as Young in honor of long-time citizen Miss Ola Young, who served 50 years as the town's first postmistress.
Young is accessible via partially paved, gravel/dirt roads on Forest Road FH-12, from state Highway 260 on the Rim and state Highway 288 on the east side of Roosevelt Lake. Of the approximately 5,000 acres in the community, 1,500 acres have been broken up into parcels ranging from two to five acres, with the balance remaining as grazing land.
Principal Economic Activities
Young is primarily a retirement and second home community. Half of the population is 50 years old or older. The few remaining cattle ranches are mostly owner-operated, offering few job opportunities.
The Young Public School and the United States Forest Service are the area's largest employers. The Arizona Department of Transportation, Gila County road maintenance, the post office and library each employ two or three individuals. The few local businesses are owner-operated and service-oriented. Additional self-employed people provide construction, lawn care, housekeeping or other personal services.
Scenic Attractions
The Tonto National Forest attracts more visitors than any other national forest in the United States. Hunting and fishing, as well as camping and hiking are available with spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Young is located between the Sierra Anchas and Hell's Gate Wilderness areas. There are major archaeological and historical sites in the area. Tours feature the various century old cabins, museums and battle sites of the Pleasant Valley war.
The Arizona Department of Transportation, Forest Service and the Pleasant Valley Community Council are developing the Pleasant Valley Airport as a fly-in sports/wildlife recreation area. Forest Road FH-12 has been selected as a Scenic Byway. Young is also a common stop on the Payson/Rim Lakes/Pleasant Valley/Roosevelt Lake scenic loop drive. |
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